Almost 3.000 athletes from 60 countries had a chance to attend the Opening Ceremony of the 26th Winter Universiade in Trentino, Italy on December 11, 2013. The event brought together past and present, paying tribute to the 200th anniversary of Giuseppe Verdi. The torch set on the top of Torre Civica was lighted through an innovative LED system, presenting an innovative eco-friendly torch.

 

After the traditional marching pass of all delegations into the Piazza Duomo in front of the historical cathedral, the President of the Organizing Committee Mr Sergio Anesi, the President of the Autonomous Province of Trento Mr Ugo Rossi, and President of the International University Sports Federation (FISU) Mr Claude-Louis Gallien, gave the official opening speeches and opened this Winter Universiade’s edition.

 

Students from all around the world will compete in 11 ice and snow sport disciplines - ice hockey, figure skating, short track, speed skating, curling, alpine skiing, biathlon, Nordic combined, cross country skiing, snowboard and biathlon between December 11 and 21. University sports fans will be able to watch several competitions online at www.livefisu.tv and also in special broadcasts on selected TV stations.



Days before the Opening ceremony, the project and event was presented to the participants at the Head of Delegation Meeting and to the wider audience at the official Press conference.

 

For details, please see official website of the event - www.universiadetrentino.org and www.fisu.net.